Leadership reshuffle in Iran: Khamenei's close associate appointed to key position

Media outlets in Iran reported today, Thursday, that Mohsen Rezaee, advisor to the Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, has been appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

This is one of the most senior positions in the Iranian regime. If the reports are accurate, Rezaee will replace Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who took office following the elimination of Ali Larijani. However, the Iranian regime's court correspondent, Mehrdad Khalili, emphasized that the report regarding Rezaee's appointment as secretary of the council is not yet officially confirmed.

Last March, Rezaee was appointed military advisor to Khamenei the son, who became the new Supreme Leader in the Islamist regime. Rezaee, who previously served as commander of the Revolutionary Guards for 16 years, is considered one of the hawkish figures in the leadership.

He is one of the Iranian generals who believe that it is necessary to continue maintaining a grip on the Strait of Hormuz. For instance, Rezaee once stated: "This strategic passage is more important than dozens of atomic bombs, and Iran will defend it."

In the past, Rezaee repeatedly attempted to break into the top tier of Iranian politics and failed. In 2009, he ran in the Iranian presidential elections and received 1.7% of the votes. In 2013, he ran again and received about 10% of the votes. Furthermore, Rezaee is wanted on suspicion of involvement in the 1994 bombing of the Jewish community building in Buenos Aires.